Jesus told the Parable of the Sower and while reading it again I thought about Passion and other mountaintop experiences: Camps, Disciple Nows, Revivals, Christmas Pageants, concerts, a sermon series, etc. When we are moved deep in our souls, we think we will never fall away, never go back. But things happen, life happens, and we get discouraged.
Read the parable again with different words:
A farmer went out to plant seeds. Some fell by the road and birds gobbled them up. Some fell on the rocks. They sprung up, but had no roots and the sun scorched them. Some fell among thorn bushes and could not compete for sunlight and water and space to grow. But some fell on good ground and bore fruit, 30, 60, or 100 times greater than the seed itself.
The disciples asked Jesus to explain. He said, ‘When some attend PASSION (or a similar crusade or revival) and don’t get it, then the enemy comes and steals away what little they had. Others hear the sermons at Passion with joy, but they have no root. They endure for a little while, but when it gets tough, they fall away. And the seeds among thorns represent those who go to Passion, get all excited, but the worries of the world choke their faith and they become UNFRUITFUL. But he with good soil hears the message of Passion, understands it, and will bear fruit, up to 30, 60, or 100 times greater than the tiny seed planted in his heart.’ Matthew 13:1-23 (paraphrased).
After EVERY spiritual high or mountaintop experience, PRAY for good soil, for a true and faithful heart.
God, help us hear and understand Your Word. Make it bear incredible fruit! Never let our faith be stolen or choked by the cares of the world. We want to serve and bear great fruit for you!
ΑΩ
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